TRAI dismiss higher cable TV fee for restaurants, hotels

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ruled that cable TV charges for hotels and restaurants should be on a par with domestic charges.

The channels and broadcasters had been demanding commercial rates; however the authority has asked to pay the regular charges (except for special or ticketed events like a football or cricket world cup where the public is charged separately), reported TOI.

“The telecom regulator’s order has liberated cable TV from monopoly. It has been declared a necessity for the benefit of people and not a luxury,” said Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI.

However, FHRAI submitted that in 2006, the Supreme Court had held that television is a mere amenity in hotel rooms just like fans and air-conditioners.

The FHRAI also stated that channels do not subsidize ordinary subscribers like it happens in electricity or water to demand higher tariff for commercial subscribers.

“Tourism departments have mandated that TV has to be there as it is a necessity and not a luxury like it used to be a decade ago,” said Pradip Shetty, FHRAI’s legal adviser.

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